Treatment for diabetes in patients inappropriate for metformin therapy

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the finding that certain DPP-4 inhibitors are particularly suitable for treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes, in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin.

The present invention relates to certain DPP-4 inhibitors for treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and conditions related thereto, in patients for whom normal metformin therapy is not appropriate (due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin), as well as to the use of these DPP-4 inhibitors in said treatment and/or prevention. Pharmaceutical compositions and combinations for treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases (particularly diabetes) in these patients comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein optionally together with one or more other active substances are also contemplated.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common disease of increasing prevalence worldwide and may be associated with macrovascular complications such as cardiovascular disease, and/or microvascular complications such as blindness, neuropathy and/or renal impairment or failure.

There are various reasons why renal impairment can occur in people with diabetes. One of the typical long-term complications of diabetes is diabetic nephropathy, which can progress to renal failure in some cases.

Although intensive treatment of hyperglycemia can reduce the incidence of chronic damages, many patients with type 2 diabetes remain inadequately treated, partly because of limitations in long term efficacy, tolerability and dosing inconvenience of existing antihyperglycemic therapies.

Diet therapy and exercise therapy are essential in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. When these therapies do not sufficiently control the conditions of patients (especially their blood sugar level), an oral or non-oral antidiabetic agent is additionally used for the treatment of diabetes. Conventional antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic agents include, without being limited to, metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues, as well as insulin and insulin analogues. However, the use of these conventional antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic agents can be associated with various adverse effects. For example, metformin can be associated with lactic acidosis or gastrointestinal side effects; sulfonylureas, glinides and insulin or insulin analogues can be associated with hypoglycemia or weight gain; thiazolidinediones can be associated with edema, bone fracture, weight gain or heart failure/cardiac effects; and alpha-glucosidase blockers and GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues can be associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects (e.g. dyspepsia, flatulence or diarrhea, or nausea or vomiting).

Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin can be used alone or combined with other antihyperglycemic medications to improve glycemic control in metformin responsive type 2 diabetes patients. Metformin can also be of value in the treatment of obese or overweight diabetic patients or in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, treatment with metformin can be associated with adverse symptoms, such as e.g. gastrointestinal symptoms or, occasionally, as a severe adverse effect, lactic acidosis (which can be fatal), for which one putative risk factor is decreased renal function. Further, since metformin is largely eliminated unchanged by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion, it is contraindicated in patients with renal disease or renal impairment. Thus, conventional metformin therapy can be inappropriate for certain patients, e.g. due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin. The number of patients who are thus ineligible for metformin can be quite large and may include a considerable percentage of those who might otherwise benefit from the medication. Therefore, it remains a need in the art to provide efficacious, safe and tolerable antidiabetic therapies for these diabetic patients ineligible for metformin therapy.

In the monitoring of the treatment of diabetes mellitus the HbA1c value, the product of a non-enzymatic glycation of the haemoglobin B chain, is of exceptional importance. As its formation depends essentially on the blood sugar level and the life time of the erythrocytes the HbA1c in the sense of a “blood sugar memory” reflects the average blood sugar level of the preceding 4-12 weeks. Diabetic patients whose HbA1c level has been well controlled over a long time by more intensive diabetes treatment (i.e. <6.5% of the total haemoglobin in the sample) are significantly better protected from diabetic microangiopathy. The available treatments for diabetes can give the diabetic an average improvement in their HbA1c level of the order of 1.0-1.5%. This reduction in the HbA1C level is not sufficient in all diabetics to bring them into the desired target range of <7.0%, preferably <6.5% and more preferably <6% HbA1c.

Within glycemic control, in addition to improvement of the HbA1c level, other recommended therapeutic goals for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients are improvement of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and of postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) levels to normal or as near normal as possible. Recommended desired target ranges of preprandial (fasting) plasma glucose are 90-130 mg/dL or <110 mg/dL, and of two-hour postprandial plasma glucose are <180 mg/dL or <140 mg/dL.

Within the meaning of this invention, inadequate or insufficient glycemic control means in particular a condition wherein patients show HbA1c values above 6.5%, in particular above 7.0%, even more preferably above 7.5%, especially above 8%. An embodiment of patients with inadequate or insufficient glycemic control include, without being limited to, patients having a HbA1c value from 7.5 to 10% (or, in another embodiment, from 7.5 to 11%). A special sub-embodiment of inadequately controlled patients refers to patients with poor glycemic control including, without being limited, patients having a HbA1c value ≥9%.

Patients ineligible for metformin therapy within the meaning of the present invention include

-   -   patients for whom metformin therapy is contraindicated, e.g.         patients having one or more contraindications against metformin         therapy according to label, such as for example patients with at         least one contraindication selected from:         -   renal disease, renal impairment or renal dysfunction (e.g.,             as specified by product information of locally approved             metformin), dehydration,         -   unstable or acute congestive heart failure,         -   acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, and         -   hereditary galactose intolerance;

and

-   -   patients who suffer from one or more intolerable side effects         attributed to metformin, particularly gastrointestinal side         effects associated with metformin, such as for example patients         suffering from at least one gastrointestinal side effect         selected from:         -   nausea,         -   vomiting,         -   diarrhoea,         -   intestinal gas, and         -   severe abdominal discomfort.

Further, due to increased susceptibility for adverse effects, treatment of elderly patients (e.g. ≥60-70 years) should be often accompanied by careful monitoring of renal function. Metformin is usually not recommended in elderly individuals, particularly ≥80 years, unless measurement of creatinine clearance demonstrates that renal function is not reduced. Thus, patients ineligible for metformin therapy may also include, without being limited to, elderly patients, e.g. ≥60-65 years or particularly ≥80 years.

A special embodiment of patients ineligible for metformin therapy within the meaning of this invention refers to patients having renal disease, renal dysfunction, or insufficiency or impairment of renal function (including mild, moderate and severe renal impairment), e.g. as suggested by elevated serum creatinine levels (e.g. serum creatinine levels above the upper limit of normal for their age, e.g. ≥130-150 μmol/l, or ≥1.5 mg/dl (≥136 μmol/l) in men and ≥1.4 mg/dl (≥124 μmol/l) in women) or abnormal creatinine clearance (e.g. glomerular filtration rate (GFR)≤30-60 ml/min, e.g. moderate or severe renal impairment including ESRD).

In this context, for more detailed example, mild renal impairment may be e.g. suggested by a creatinine clearance of 50-80 ml/min (approximately corresponding to serum creatine levels of ≤1.7 mg/dL in men and ≤1.5 mg/dL in women); moderate renal impairment may be e.g. suggested by a creatinine clearance of 30-50 ml/min (approximately corresponding to serum creatinine levels of >1.7 to ≤3.0 mg/dL in men and >1.5 to ≤2.5 mg/dL in women); and severe renal impairment may be e.g. suggested by a creatinine clearance of <30 ml/min (approximately corresponding to serum creatinine levels of >3.0 mg/dL in men and >2.5 mg/dL in women). Patients with end-stage renal disease require dialysis (e.g. hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).

For other more detailed example, patients with renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment include patients with chronic renal insufficiency or impairment, which can be stratified according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR, ml/min/1.73 m²) into 5 disease stages: stage 1 characterized by normal GFR≥90 plus either persistent albuminuria or known structural or hereditary renal disease; stage 2 characterized by mild reduction of GFR (GFR 60-89) describing mild renal impairment; stage 3 characterized by moderate reduction of GFR (GFR 30-59) describing moderate renal impairment; stage 4 characterized by severe reduction of GFR (GFR 15-30) describing severe renal impairment; and terminal stage 5 characterized by requiring dialysis or GFR<15 describing established kidney failure (end-stage renal disease, ESRD).

Some otherwise intolerable (gastrointestinal) side effects (like nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhoea) attributed to metformin may be related to the dose of the medication and thus may be minimized if the dose of metformin is reduced. Within the patients of the present invention, in addition to those patients who should not or can not use metformin, there is a number of patients for whom metformin can be used only in a reduced dose, thus the dosage of metformin must be highly individually adjusted on the basis of effectiveness, safety and tolerance (e.g. via dose titration), often as a compromise between effectiveness and safety/tolerability. Therefore, it remains also a need in the art to provide better (e.g. more efficacious) antidiabetic therapies for these diabetic patients who need reduced dose metformin therapy due to reduced tolerability, intolerability or contraindication against metformin.

Metformin is usually given in doses varying from about 500 mg to 2000 mg up to 2500 mg per day using various dosing regimens from about 100 mg to 500 mg or 200 mg to 850 mg (1-3 times a day), or about 300 mg to 1000 mg once or twice a day, or delayed-release metformin in doses of about 100 mg to 1000 mg or preferably 500 mg to 1000 mg once or twice a day or about 500 mg to 2000 mg once a day. Particular dosage strengths may be 250, 500, 625, 750, 850 and 1000 mg of metformin hydrochloride.

The enzyme DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) also known as CD26 is a serine protease known to lead to the cleavage of a dipeptide from the N-terminal end of a number of proteins having at their N-terminal end a prolin or alanin residue. Due to this property DPP-4 inhibitors interfere with the plasma level of bioactive peptides including the peptide GLP-1 and are considered to be promising drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

For example, DPP-4 inhibitors and their uses, particularly their uses in metabolic (especially diabetic) diseases, are disclosed in WO 2002/068420, WO 2004/018467, WO 2004/018468, WO 2004/018469, WO 2004/041820, WO 2004/046148, WO 2005/051950, WO 2005/082906, WO 2005/063750, WO 2005/085246, WO 2006/027204, WO 2006/029769 or WO2007/014886; or in WO 2004/050658, WO 2004/111051, WO 2005/058901 or WO 2005/097798; or in WO 2006/068163, WO 2007/071738 or WO 2008/017670; or in WO 2007/128721 or WO 2007/128761.

As further DPP-4 inhibitors the following compounds can be mentioned:

-   -   Sitagliptin (MK-0431) having the structural formula A below is         (3R)-3-amino-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-7-yl]-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-1-one,         also named         (2R)-4-oxo-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-7(8H)-yl]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-2-amine,

In one embodiment, sitagliptin is in the form of its dihydrogenphosphate salt, i.e. sitagliptin phosphate. In a further embodiment, sitagliptin phosphate is in the form of a crystalline anhydrate or monohydrate. A class of this embodiment refers to sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate. Sitagliptin free base and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,871 and in Example 7 of WO 03/004498. Crystalline sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate is disclosed in WO 2005/003135 and in WO 2007/050485.

For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

A tablet formulation for sitagliptin is commercially available under the trade name Januvia®. A tablet formulation for sitagliptin/metformin combination is commercially available under the trade name Janumet®.

-   -   Vildagliptin (LAF-237) having the structural formula B below is         (2S)-{[(3-hydroxyadamantan-1-yl)amino]acetyl}pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile,         also named         (S)-1-[(3-hydroxy-1-adamantyl)amino]acetyl-2-cyano-pyrrolidine,

Vildagliptin is specifically disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,063 and in Example 1 of WO 00/34241. Specific salts of vildagliptin are disclosed in WO 2007/019255. A crystalline form of vildagliptin as well as a vildagliptin tablet formulation are disclosed in WO 2006/078593.

Vildagliptin can be formulated as described in WO 00/34241 or in WO 2005/067976. A modified release vildagliptin formulation is described in WO 2006/135723.

For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

A tablet formulation for vildagliptin is commercially available under the trade name Galvus®. A tablet formulation for vildagliptin/metformin combination is commercially available under the trade name Eucreas®.

-   -   Saxagliptin (BMS-477118) having the structural formula C below         is         (1S,3S,5S)-2-{(2S)-2-amino-2-(3-hydroxyadamantan-1-Aacetyl}-2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-3-carbonitrile,         also named         (S)-3-hydroxyadamantylglycine-L-cis-4,5-methanoprolinenitrile,

Saxagliptin is specifically disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,767 and in Example 60 of WO 01/68603.

In one embodiment, saxagliptin is in the form of its HCl salt or its mono-benzoate salt as disclosed in WO 2004/052850. In a further embodiment, saxagliptin is in the form of the free base. In a yet further embodiment, saxagliptin is in the form of the monohydrate of the free base as disclosed in WO 2004/052850. Crystalline forms of the HCl salt and the free base of saxagliptin are disclosed in WO 2008/131149. A process for preparing saxagliptin is also disclosed in WO 2005/106011 and WO 2005/115982. Saxagliptin can be formulated in a tablet as described in WO 2005/117841.

For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   Alogliptin (SYR-322) having the structural formula E below is         2-({6-[(3R)-3-aminopiperidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-1-yl}methyl)benzonitrile

Alogliptin is specifically disclosed in US 2005/261271, EP 1586571 and in WO 2005/095381. In one embodiment, alogliptin is in the form of its benzoate salt, its hydrochloride salt or its tosylate salt each as disclosed in WO 2007/035629. A class of this embodiment refers to alogliptin benzoate. Polymorphs of alogliptin benzoate are disclosed in WO 2007/035372. A process for preparing alogliptin is disclosed in WO 2007/112368 and, specifically, in WO 2007/035629. Alogliptin (namely its benzoate salt) can be formulated in a tablet and administered as described in WO 2007/033266. Formulations of Aloglipitin with metformin or pioglitazone are described in WO 2008/093882 or WO 2009/011451, respectively.

For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   (2S)-1-{[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethylamino]-acetyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably the         mesylate, or         (2S)-1-{[1,1,-Dimethyl-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-acetyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

These compounds and methods for their preparation are disclosed in WO 03/037327. The mesylate salt of the former compound as well as crystalline polymorphs thereof are disclosed in WO 2006/100181. The fumarate salt of the latter compound as well as crystalline polymorphs thereof are disclosed in WO 2007/071576. These compounds can be formulated in a pharmaceutical composition as described in WO 2007/017423.

For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use these compounds or salts thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   (S)-1-((2S,3S,11bS)-2-Amino-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-yl)-4-fluoromethyl-pyrrolidin-2-one         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation are disclosed in WO 2005/000848. A process for preparing this compound (specifically its dihydrochloride salt) is also disclosed in WO 2008/031749, WO 2008/031750 and WO 2008/055814. This compound can be formulated in a pharmaceutical composition as described in WO 2007/017423.

For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   (3,3-Difluoropyrrolidin-1-yl)-((2S,4S)-4-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)methanone         (also named gosogliptin) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt         thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation are disclosed in WO 2005/116014 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,618.

For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   (1((3S,4S)-4-amino-1-(4-(3,3-difluoropyrrolidin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-5,5-difluoropiperidin-2-one         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation are disclosed in WO 2007/148185 and US 20070299076. For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   (2S,4S)-1-{2-[(3S,1R)-3-(1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-ylmethyl)cyclopentylamino]-acetyl}-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile         (also named melogliptin) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt         thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation are disclosed in WO 2006/040625 and WO 2008/001195. Specifically claimed salts include the methanesulfonate and p-toluenesulfonate. For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   (R)-2-[6-(3-Amino-piperidin-1-yl)-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-1-ylmethyl]-4-fluoro-benzonitrile         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation and use are disclosed in WO 2005/095381, US 2007060530, WO 2007/033350, WO 2007/035629, WO 2007/074884, WO 2007/112368, WO 2008/114807, WO 2008/114800 and WO 2008/033851. Specifically claimed salts include the succinate (WO 2008/067465), benzoate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, (R)-mandelate and hydrochloride. For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   5-{(S)-2-[2-((S)-2-Cyano-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2-oxo-ethylamino]-propyl}-5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-2,8-dicarboxylic         acid bis-dimethylamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt         thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation are disclosed in WO 2006/116157 and US 2006/270701. For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   3-{(2S,4S)-4-[4-(3-Methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)piperazin-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-ylcarbonyl}thiazolidine         (also named teneligliptin) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt         thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation are disclosed in WO 02/14271. Specific salts are disclosed in WO 2006/088129 and WO 2006/118127 (including hydrochloride, hydrobromide, inter alia). Combination therapy using this compound is described in WO 2006/129785. For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   [(2R)-1-{[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]acetyl}pyrrolidin-2-yl]boronic         acid (also named dutogliptin) or a pharmaceutically acceptable         salt thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation are disclosed in WO 2005/047297, WO 2008/109681 and WO 2009/009751. Specific salts are disclosed in WO 2008/027273 (including citrate, tartrate). A formulation of this compound is described in WO 2008/144730.

For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   (2S,4S)-1-[2-[(4-ethoxycarbonylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-1-yl)amino]acetyl]-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

This compound and methods for its preparation are disclosed in WO 2005/075421, US 2008/146818 and WO 2008/114857. For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use this compound or a salt thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

-   -   2-({6-[(3R)-3-amino-3-methylpiperidin-1-yl]-1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-5-yl}methyl)-4-fluorobenzonitrile         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or         6-[(3R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl]-5-(2-chloro-5-fluoro-benzyl)-1,3-dimethyl-1,5-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4-dione         or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

These compounds and methods for their preparation are disclosed in WO 2009/084497 and WO 2006/068163, respectively. For details, e.g. on a process to manufacture, to formulate or to use these compounds or salts thereof, reference is thus made to these documents.

For avoidance of any doubt, the disclosure of each of the foregoing documents cited above is specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Within the scope of the present invention it has now surprisingly been found that DPP-4 inhibitors as defined herein have surprising and particularly advantageous properties, which make them particularly suitable for treating and/or preventing (including preventing or slowing the progression) of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes mellitus) and conditions related thereto (e.g. diabetic complications), particularly in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, such as patients ineligible for metformin therapy or patients in need of metformin dose reduction due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin.

Thus, the present invention provides a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin.

The present invention further provides the use of a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin.

The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, said pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents.

The present invention further provides a fixed or non-fixed combination including a kit-of-parts for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, said combination comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein and optionally one or more other active substances, e.g. any of those mentioned herein.

The present invention further provides the use of a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein in combination with one or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of those mentioned herein, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin.

The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, said pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein and optionally one or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of those mentioned herein, such as e.g. for separate, sequential, simultaneous, concurrent or chronologically staggered use of the active ingredients.

The present invention further provides a method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof (particularly a human patient) an effective amount of a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein, optionally alone or in combination, such as e.g. separately, sequentially, simultaneously, concurrently or chronologically staggered, with an effective amount of one, two or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of those mentioned herein.

Further, the DPP-4 inhibitors as defined herein may be useful in one or more of the following methods

-   -   for preventing, slowing progression of, delaying, or treating a         metabolic disorder;     -   for improving glycemic control and/or for reducing of fasting         plasma glucose, of postprandial plasma glucose and/or of         glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c;     -   for preventing, slowing progression of, delaying or treating of         a condition or disorder selected from the group consisting of         complications of diabetes mellitus;     -   for reducing the weight or preventing an increase of the weight         or facilitating a reduction of the weight;     -   for preventing or treating the degeneration of pancreatic beta         cells and/or for improving and/or restoring the functionality of         pancreatic beta cells and/or stimulating and/or restoring the         functionality of pancreatic insulin secretion; and/or     -   for maintaining and/or improving the insulin sensitivity and/or         for treating or preventing hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin         resistance;

in diabetes patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin.

Examples of such metabolic diseases or disorders amenable by the therapy of this invention in patients ineligible for metformin therapy may include, without being restricted to, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, inadequate glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome X, obesity, hypertension, chronic systemic inflammation, retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and osteoporosis.

The present invention further provides the use of a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein for the manufacture of a medicament for one or more of the following purposes:

-   -   preventing, slowing the progression of, delaying or treating a         metabolic disorder or disease, such as e.g. type 1 diabetes         mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance         (IGT), impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG), hyperglycemia,         postprandial hyperglycemia, overweight, obesity, dyslipidemia,         hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension,         atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, osteoporosis, chronic         systemic inflammation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease         (NAFLD), retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and/or metabolic         syndrome;     -   improving glycemic control and/or for reducing of fasting plasma         glucose, of postprandial plasma glucose and/or of glycosylated         hemoglobin HbA1c;     -   preventing, slowing, delaying or reversing progression from         impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting blood glucose         (IFG), insulin resistance and/or from metabolic syndrome to type         2 diabetes mellitus;     -   preventing, reducing the risk of, slowing the progression of,         delaying or treating of complications of diabetes mellitus such         as micro- and macrovascular diseases, such as nephropathy,         micro- or macroalbuminuria, proteinuria, retinopathy, cataracts,         neuropathy, learning or memory impairment, neurodegenerative or         cognitive disorders, cardio- or cerebrovascular diseases, tissue         ischaemia, diabetic foot or ulcus, atherosclerosis,         hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, myocardial infarction,         acute coronary syndrome, unstable angina pectoris, stable angina         pectoris, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, cardiomyopathy,         heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, vascular restenosis,         and/or stroke;     -   reducing body weight or preventing an increase in body weight or         facilitating a reduction in body weight;     -   preventing, slowing, delaying or treating the degeneration of         pancreatic beta cells and/or the decline of the functionality of         pancreatic beta cells and/or for improving and/or restoring the         functionality of pancreatic beta cells and/or stimulating and/or         restoring the functionality of pancreatic insulin secretion;     -   preventing, slowing, delaying or treating non alcoholic fatty         liver disease (NAFLD) including hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic         steatohepatitis (NASH) and/or liver fibrosis;     -   preventing, slowing the progression of, delaying or treating         type 2 diabetes with primary or secondary failure to         conventional (oral) antihyperglycemic mono- or combination         therapy;     -   achieving a reduction in the dose of conventional         antihyperglycemic medication required for adequate therapeutic         effect;     -   reducing the risk for adverse effects associated with         conventional antihyperglycemic medication; and/or     -   maintaining and/or improving the insulin sensitivity and/or for         treating or preventing hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin         resistance;     -   particularly in a patient for whom metformin therapy is         inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against         metformin and/or who has renal disease, renal dysfunction, or         insufficiency or impairment of renal function (including patient         with chronic renal insufficiency), optionally in combination         with one or more other active substances, such as e.g. any of         those mentioned herein.

Further on, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein for treating and/or preventing (including reducing the risk of developing or progressing) metabolic disorders or diseases, especially diabetes (particularly type 2 diabetes), in patients having renal disease, renal dysfunction, or insufficiency or impairment of renal function (including patients having chronic renal insufficiency), optionally in combination with one or more other active substances, such as e.g. selected from those mentioned herein.

In an embodiment of this invention, patients as described herein who are amenable to the treatment with a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein, optionally in (add-on or initial) combination with one or two conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues, may include, without being limited to, drug naïve as well as pre-treated diabetes patients, such as e.g. patients with inadequate glycemic control despite conventional antidiabetic therapy (e.g. primary or secondary drug failure), such as e.g. patients with inadequate glycemic control despite medication with (e.g., if applicable, despite therapy with a maximal tolerated oral dose of) one, two or three conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 or GLP-1 analogues, and insulin or insulin analogues (e.g. despite mono-therapy with a sulphonylurea, pioglitazone or (basal) insulin, or despite dual combination therapy with a sulphonylurea/pioglitazone, sulphonylurea/(basal) insulin or pioglitazone/(basal) insulin combination).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein, optionally in combination with one or more conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones (e.g. pioglitazone), glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues, and insulin and insulin analogues, for use in (first line) therapy of type 2 diabetes patients for whom metformin therapy is not appropriate (due to intolerance or contraindication against metformin).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein, optionally in combination with one or more conventional antihyperglycemic agents selected from sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones (e.g. pioglitazone), glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues, and insulin and insulin analogues, for use in (second line or third line) therapy of type 2 diabetes patients for whom metformin therapy is not appropriate (due to intolerance or contraindication against metformin) and who are inadequately controlled on said conventional antihyperglycemic agent(s).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided a DPP-4 inhibitor as defined herein in combination with pioglitazone for use in type 2 diabetes patients for whom metformin therapy is not appropriate (due to intolerance or contraindication against metformin) according to this invention (particularly those who are overweight).

Other aspects of the present invention become apparent to the skilled person from the foregoing and following remarks.

A DPP-4 inhibitor within the meaning of the present invention includes, without being limited to, any of those DPP-4 inhibitors mentioned hereinabove and hereinbelow, preferably orally active DPP-4 inhibitors.

A special embodiment of this invention refers to a DPP-4 inhibitor for use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with insufficient glycemic control, for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin.

Another special embodiment of this invention refers to a DPP-4 inhibitor for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases (particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus) in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin (particularly in patients with renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment), characterized in that said DPP-4 inhibitor is administered to said patients either in reduced dose levels or, advantageously, in the same dose levels as to patients with normal renal function, thus e.g. said DPP-4 inhibitor does not require downward dosing adjustment for impaired renal function.

A special embodiment of this invention refers to a DPP-4 inhibitor for use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients ineligible for metformin therapy due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, such as e.g. any of those intolerabilities or contraindications defined hereinbefore or hereinafter.

Within the meaning of this invention, a special subgroup of the patients concerned by the therapies according to this invention refers to patients having chronic renal insufficiency or impairment (particularly of moderate, severe or terminal stage).

Patients with renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment require a careful assessment for the appropriate choice of their medication and dosing regimen, particularly based on the nature and properties of the individual drug (e.g. its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism, elimination pathway) and on patients' grade of renal impairment.

A DPP-4 inhibitor which may be suggested for the purpose of the present invention (especially for patients with impaired renal function) may be such an oral DPP-4 inhibitor, which and whose active metabolites have preferably a relatively wide (e.g. about >100 fold) therapeutic window and/or, especially, that are primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism or biliary excretion.

In more detail, a DPP-4 inhibitor particularly suitable for the purpose of the present invention (especially for patients with impaired renal function) may be such an orally administered DPP-4 inhibitor, which has a relatively wide (e.g. >100 fold) therapeutic window and/or which fulfils one or more of the following pharmacokinetic properties (preferably at its therapeutic oral dose levels):

-   -   The DPP-4 inhibitor is substantially or mainly excreted via the         liver (e.g. >80% or even >90% of the administered oral dose),         and/or for which renal excretion represents no substantial or         only a minor elimination pathway (e.g. <10%, preferably <7%, of         the administered oral dose measured, for example, by following         elimination of a radiolabelled carbon (¹⁴C) substance oral         dose);     -   The DPP-4 inhibitor is excreted mainly unchanged as parent drug         (e.g. with a mean of >70%, or >80%, or, preferably, 90% of         excreted radioactivity in urine and faeces after oral dosing of         radiolabelled carbon (¹⁴C) substance), and/or which is         eliminated to a non-substantial or only to a minor extent via         metabolism (e.g. <30%, or <20%, or, preferably, 10%);     -   The (main) metabolite(s) of the DPP-4 inhibitor is/are         pharmacologically inactive. Such as e.g. the main metabolite         does not bind to or does not inhibit the activity of the target         enzyme DPP-4 and, optionally, it is rapidly eliminated compared         to the parent compound (e.g. with a terminal half-life of ≤20 h,         or, preferably, ≤about 16 h, such as e.g. 15.9 h).

In one embodiment, the (main) metabolite (which may be pharmacologically inactive) of a DPP-4 inhibitor having a 3-amino-piperidin-1-yl substituent is such a derivative where the amino group of the 3-amino-piperidin-1-yl moiety is replaced by a hydroxyl group to form the 3-hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl moiety.

Further properties of the DPP-4 inhibitor, which may be attractive for the purpose of the present invention, may be one or more of the following: Rapid attainment of steady state (e.g. reaching steady state plasma levels (>90% of the steady state plasma concentration) between second and fifth day of treatment with therapeutic oral dose levels), little accumulation (e.g. with a mean accumulation ratio R_(A,AUC)≤1.4 with therapeutic oral dose levels), and/or preserving a long-lasting effect on DPP-4 inhibition, preferably when used once-daily (e.g. with almost complete (>90%) DPP-4 inhibition at therapeutic oral dose levels, >80% inhibition over a 24 h interval after once-daily intake of therapeutic oral drug dose), significant decrease in 2 h postprandial blood glucose excursions by ≥80% (already on first day of therapy) at therapeutic dose levels, and cumulative amount of unchanged parent compound excreted in urine on first day being below 1% of the administered dose and increasing to not more than about 3-6% in steady state.

Thus, this invention refers also to a DPP-4 inhibitor for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases (in particular type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, in more particular in patients with renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment), characterized in that said DPP-4 inhibitor is excreted to a non-substantial or only to a minor extent (e.g. <10%, preferably <7% of administered oral dose) via the kidney (measured, for example, by following elimination of a radiolabelled carbon (¹⁴C) substance oral dose).

Further, this invention refers to a DPP-4 inhibitor for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases (in particular type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, in more particular in patients with renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment), characterized in that said DPP-4 inhibitor is excreted substantially or mainly via the liver (measured, for example, by following elimination of a radiolabelled carbon (¹⁴C) substance oral dose).

Further, this invention refers to a DPP-4 inhibitor for use in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases (in particular type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin, in more particular in patients with renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal impairment), characterized in that

said DPP-4 inhibitor is excreted mainly unchanged as parent drug (e.g. with a mean of >70%, or >80%, or, preferably, 90% of excreted radioactivity in urine and faeces after oral dosing of radiolabelled carbon (¹⁴C) substance),

said DPP-4 inhibitor is eliminated to a non-substantial or only to a minor extent via metabolism, and/or

the main metabolite of said DPP-4 inhibitor is pharmacologically inactive or has a relatively wide therapeutic window.

In a first embodiment (embodiment A), a DPP-4 inhibitor in the context of the present invention is any DPP-4 inhibitor of

wherein R1 denotes ([1,5]naphthyridin-2-yl)methyl, (quinazolin-2-yl)methyl, (quinoxalin-6-yl)methyl, (4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl, 2-cyano-benzyl, (3-cyano-quinolin-2-yl)methyl, (3-cyano-pyridin-2-yl)methyl, (4-methyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl, or (4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl and R2 denotes 3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl, (2-amino-2-methyl-propyl)-methylamino or (2-(S)-amino-propyl)-methylamino, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

In a second embodiment (embodiment B), a DPP-4 inhibitor in the context of the present invention is a DPP-4 inhibitor selected from the group consisting of

-   sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, alogliptin, -   (2S)-1-{[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethylamino]-acetyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, -   (2S)-1-{[1,1,-Dimethyl-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-acetyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, -   (S)-1-((2S,3S,11bS)-2-Amino-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-yl)-4-fluoromethyl-pyrrolidin-2-one, -   (3,3-Difluoropyrrolidin-1-yl)-((2S,4S)-4-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)methanone, -   (1((3S,4S)-4-amino-1-(4-(3,3-difluoropyrrolidin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-5,5-difluoropiperidin-2-one, -   (2S,4S)-1-{2-[(3S,1R)-3-(1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-ylmethyl)cyclopentylamino]-acetyl}-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, -   (R)-2-[6-(3-Amino-piperidin-1-yl)-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-1-ylmethyl]-4-fluoro-benzonitrile, -   5-{(S)-2-[2-((S)-2-Cyano-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2-oxo-ethylamino]-propyl}-5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-2,8-dicarboxylic     acid bis-dimethylamide, -   3-{(2S,4S)-4-[4-(3-Methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)piperazin-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-ylcarbonyl}thiazolidine, -   [(2R)-1-{[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]acetyl}pyrrolidin-2-yl]boronic     acid, -   (2S,4S)-1-[2-[(4-ethoxycarbonylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-1-yl)amino]acetyl]-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, -   2-({6-[(3R)-3-amino-3-methylpiperidin-1-yl]-1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-5-yl}methyl)-4-fluorobenzonitrile,     and -   6-[(3R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl]-5-(2-chloro-5-fluoro-benzyl)-1,3-dimethyl-1,5-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4-dione, -   or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Regarding the first embodiment (embodiment A), preferred DPP-4 inhibitors are any or all of the following compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts:

1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2004/018468, Example 2(142))

1-[([1,5]naphthyridin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2004/018468, Example 2(252))

1-[(Quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2004/018468, Example 2(80))

2-((R)-3-Amino-piperidin-1-yl)-3-(but-2-yinyl)-5-(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-ylmethyl)-3,5-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-d]pyridazin-4-one (Compare WO 2004/050658, Example 136)

1-[(4-Methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyin-1-yl)-8-[(2-amino-2-methyl-propyl)-methylamino]-xanthine (Compare WO 2006/029769, Example 2(1))

1-[(3-Cyano-quinolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2005/085246, Example 1(30))

1-(2-Cyano-benzyl)-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2005/085246, Example 1(39))

1-[(4-Methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-[(S)-(2-amino-propyl)-methylamino]-xanthine (Compare WO 2006/029769, Example 2(4))

1-[(3-Cyano-pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2005/085246, Example 1(52))

1-[(4-Methyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2005/085246, Example 1(81))

1-[(4,6-Dimethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2005/085246, Example 1(82))

1-[(Quinoxalin-6-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (Compare WO 2005/085246, Example 1(83))

These DPP-4 inhibitors are distinguished from structurally comparable DPP-4 inhibitors, as they combine exceptional potency and a long-lasting effect with favourable pharmacological properties, receptor selectivity and a favourable side-effect profile or bring about unexpected therapeutic advantages or improvements when combined with other pharmaceutical active substances. Their preparation is disclosed in the publications mentioned.

A more preferred DPP-4 inhibitor among the abovementioned DPP-4 inhibitors of embodiment A of this invention is 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, particularly the free base thereof (which is also known as BI 1356).

Unless otherwise noted, according to this invention it is to be understood that the definitions of the active compounds (including the DPP-4 inhibitors) mentioned hereinabove and hereinbelow also comprise their pharmaceutically acceptable salts as well as hydrates, solvates and polymorphic forms thereof. With respect to salts, hydrates and polymorphic forms thereof, particular reference is made to those which are referred to herein.

With respect to embodiment A, the methods of synthesis for the DPP-4 inhibitors according to embodiment A of this invention are known to the skilled person. Advantageously, the DPP-4 inhibitors according to embodiment A of this invention can be prepared using synthetic methods as described in the literature. Thus, for example, purine derivatives of formula (I) can be obtained as described in WO 2002/068420, WO 2004/018468, WO 2005/085246, WO 2006/029769 or WO 2006/048427, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein. Purine derivatives of formula (II) can be obtained as described, for example, in WO 2004/050658 or WO 2005/110999, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein. Purine derivatives of formula (III) and (IV) can be obtained as described, for example, in WO 2006/068163, WO 2007/071738 or WO 2008/017670, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein. The preparation of those DPP-4 inhibitors, which are specifically mentioned hereinabove, is disclosed in the publications mentioned in connection therewith.

Polymorphous crystal modifications and formulations of particular DPP-4 inhibitors are disclosed in WO 2007/128721 and WO 2007/128724, respectively, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties. Formulations of particular DPP-4 inhibitors with metformin or other combination partners are described in PCT/EP2009053978, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Typical dosage strengths of the dual combination of BI 1356/metformin are 2.5/500 mg, 2.5/850 mg and 2.5/1000 mg.

With respect to embodiment B, the methods of synthesis for the DPP-4 inhibitors of embodiment B are described in the scientific literature and/or in published patent documents, particularly in those cited herein.

For pharmaceutical application in warm-blooded vertebrates, particularly humans, the compounds of this invention are usually used in dosages from 0.001 to 100 mg/kg body weight, preferably at 0.1-15 mg/kg, in each case 1 to 4 times a day. For this purpose, the compounds, optionally combined with other active substances, may be incorporated together with one or more inert conventional carriers and/or diluents, e.g. with corn starch, lactose, glucose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, citric acid, tartaric acid, water, water/ethanol, water/glycerol, water/sorbitol, water/polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, cetylstearyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose or fatty substances such as hard fat or suitable mixtures thereof into conventional galenic preparations such as plain or coated tablets, capsules, powders, suspensions or suppositories.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to this invention comprising the DPP-4 inhibitors as defined herein are thus prepared by the skilled person using pharmaceutically acceptable formulation excipients as described in the art. Examples of such excipients include, without being restricted to diluents, binders, carriers, fillers, lubricants, flow promoters, crystallisation retardants, disintegrants, solubilizers, colorants, pH regulators, surfactants and emulsifiers.

Examples of suitable diluents for compounds according to embodiment A include cellulose powder, calcium hydrogen phosphate, erythritol, low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, mannitol, pregelatinized starch or xylitol. Among those diluents mannitol, low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose and pregelatinized starch are to be emphasized.

Examples of suitable lubricants for compounds according to embodiment A include talc, polyethyleneglycol, calcium behenate, calcium stearate, hydrogenated castor oil or magnesium stearate. Among those lubricants magnesium stearate is to be emphasized.

Examples of suitable binders for compounds according to embodiment A include copovidone (copolymerisates of vinylpyrrolidon with other vinylderivates), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), polyvinylpyrrolidon (povidone), pregelatinized starch, or low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC). Among those binders copovidone and pregelatinized starch are to be emphasized.

Examples of suitable disintegrants for compounds according to embodiment A include corn starch or crospovidone. Among those disintegrants corn starch is to be emphasized.

Suitable methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations of the DPP-4 inhibitors according to embodiment A of the invention are

-   -   direct tabletting of the active substance in powder mixtures         with suitable tabletting excipients;     -   granulation with suitable excipients and subsequent mixing with         suitable excipients and subsequent tabletting as well as film         coating; or     -   packing of powder mixtures or granules into capsules.

Suitable granulation methods are

-   -   wet granulation in the intensive mixer followed by fluidised bed         drying;     -   one-pot granulation;     -   fluidised bed granulation; or     -   dry granulation (e.g. by roller compaction) with suitable         excipients and subsequent tabletting or packing into capsules.

An exemplary composition of a DPP-4 inhibitor according to embodiment A of the invention comprises the first diluent mannitol, pregelatinized starch as a second diluent with additional binder properties, the binder copovidone, the disintegrant corn starch, and magnesium stearate as lubricant; wherein copovidone and/or corn starch may be optional.

For details on dosage forms, formulations and administration of DPP-4 inhibitors of this invention, reference is made to scientific literature and/or published patent documents, particularly to those cited herein.

With respect to the first embodiment (embodiment A), the dosage typically required of the DPP-4 inhibitors mentioned herein in embodiment A when administered intravenously is 0.1 mg to 10 mg, preferably 0.25 mg to 5 mg, and when administered orally is 0.5 mg to 100 mg, preferably 2.5 mg to 50 mg or 0.5 mg to 10 mg, more preferably 2.5 mg to 10 mg or 1 mg to 5 mg, in each case 1 to 4 times a day. Thus, e.g. the dosage of 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine when administered orally is 0.5 mg to 10 mg per patient per day, preferably 2.5 mg to 10 mg or 1 mg to 5 mg per patient per day.

A dosage form prepared with a pharmaceutical composition comprising a DPP-4 inhibitor mentioned herein in embodiment A contain the active ingredient in a dosage range of 0.1-100 mg. Thus, e.g. particular dosage strengths of 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine are 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg.

With respect to the second embodiment (embodiment B), the doses of DPP-4 inhibitors mentioned herein in embodiment B to be administered to mammals, for example human beings, of, for example, approximately 70 kg body weight, may be generally from about 0.5 mg to about 350 mg, for example from about 10 mg to about 250 mg, preferably 20-200 mg, more preferably 20-100 mg, of the active moiety per person per day, or from about 0.5 mg to about 20 mg, preferably 2.5-10 mg, per person per day, divided preferably into 1 to 4 single doses which may, for example, be of the same size. Single dosage strengths comprise, for example, 10, 25, 40, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 mg of the DPP-4 inhibitor active moiety.

A dosage strength of the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin is usually between 25 and 200 mg of the active moiety. A recommended dose of sitagliptin is 100 mg calculated for the active moiety (free base anhydrate) once daily. Unit dosage strengths of sitagliptin free base anhydrate (active moiety) are 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 mg. Particular unit dosage strengths of sitagliptin (e.g. per tablet) are 25, 50 and 100 mg. An equivalent amount of sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate to the sitagliptin free base anhydrate is used in the pharmaceutical compositions, namely, 32.13, 64.25, 96.38, 128.5, 192.75, and 257 mg, respectively. Adjusted dosages of 25 and 50 mg sitagliptin are used for patients with renal failure. Typical dosage strengths of the dual combination of sitagliptin/metformin are 50/500 mg and 50/1000 mg.

A dosage range of the DPP-4 inhibitor vildagliptin is usually between 10 and 150 mg daily, in particular between 25 and 150 mg, 25 and 100 mg or 25 and 50 mg or 50 and 100 mg daily. Particular examples of daily oral dosage are 25, 30, 35, 45, 50, 55, 60, 80, 100 or 150 mg. In a more particular aspect, the daily administration of vildagliptin may be between 25 and 150 mg or between 50 and 100 mg. In another more particular aspect, the daily administration of vildagliptin may be 50 or 100 mg. The application of the active ingredient may occur up to three times a day, preferably one or two times a day. Particular dosage strengths are 50 mg or 100 mg vildagliptin. Typical dosage strengths of the dual combination of vildagliptin/metformin are 50/850 mg and 50/1000 mg.

Alogliptin may be administered to a patient at a daily dose of between 5 mg/day and 250 mg/day, optionally between 10 mg and 200 mg, optionally between 10 mg and 150 mg, and optionally between 10 mg and 100 mg of alogliptin (in each instance based on the molecular weight of the free base form of alogliptin). Thus, specific dosage amounts that may be used include, but are not limited to 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg of alogliptin per day. Alogliptin may be administered in its free base form or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Saxagliptin may be administered to a patient at a daily dose of between 2.5 mg/day and 100 mg/day, optionally between 2.5 mg and 50 mg. Specific dosage amounts that may be used include, but are not limited to 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg of saxagliptin per day. Typical dosage strengths of the dual combination of saxagliptin/metformin are 2.5/500 mg and 2.5/1000 mg.

A special embodiment of the DPP-4 inhibitors of this invention refers to those orally administered DPP-4 inhibitors which are therapeutically efficacious at low dose levels, e.g. at dose levels <100 mg or <70 mg per patient per day, preferably <50 mg, more preferably <30 mg or <20 mg, even more preferably from 1 mg to 10 mg per patient per day (if required, divided into 1 to 4 single doses, particularly 1 or 2 single doses, which may be of the same size), particularly from 1 mg to 5 mg (more particularly 5 mg), preferentially, administered orally once-daily, more preferentially, at any time of day, administered with or without food.

A particularly preferred DPP-4 inhibitor to be emphasized within the meaning of this invention is 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine (also known as BI 1356). BI 1356 exhibits high potency, 24 h duration of action, and a wide therapeutic window. In patients with type 2 diabetes receiving multiple oral doses of 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg of BI 1356 once daily for 12 days, BI 1356 shows favourable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile (see e.g. Table 1 below) with rapid attainment of steady state (e.g. reaching steady state plasma levels (>90% of the pre-dose plasma concentration on Day 13) between second and fifth day of treatment in all dose groups), little accumulation (e.g. with a mean accumulation ratio R_(A,AUC)≤1.4 with doses above 1 mg) and preserving a long-lasting effect on DPP-4 inhibition (e.g. with almost complete (>90%) DPP-4 inhibition at the 5 mg and 10 mg dose levels, i.e. 92.3 and 97.3% inhibition at steady state, respectively, and >80% inhibition over a 24 h interval after drug intake), as well as significant decrease in 2 h postprandial blood glucose excursions by 80% (already on Day 1) in doses ≥2.5 mg, and with the cumulative amount of unchanged parent compound excreted in urine on Day 1 being below 1% of the administered dose and increasing to not more than about 3-6% on Day 12 (renal clearance CL_(R,ss) is from about 14 to about 70 mL/min for the administered oral doses, e.g. for the 5 mg dose renal clearance is about 70 ml/min). In people with type 2 diabetes BI 1356 shows a placebo-like safety and tolerability. With low doses of about ≥5 mg, BI 1356 acts as a true once-daily oral drug with a full 24 h duration of DPP-4 inhibition. At therapeutic oral dose levels, BI 1356 is mainly excreted via the liver and only to a minor extent (about <7% of the administered oral dose) via the kidney. BI 1356 is primarily excreted unchanged via the bile. The fraction of BI 1356 eliminated via the kidneys increases only very slightly over time and with increasing dose, so that there will likely be no need to modify the dose of BI 1356 based on the patients' renal function. The non-renal elimination of BI 1356 in combination with its low accumulation potential and broad safety margin may be of significant benefit in a patient population that has a high prevalence of renal insufficiency and diabetic nephropathy.

TABLE 1 Geometric mean (gMean) and geometric coefficient of variation (gCV) of pharmacokinetic parameters of BI 1356 at steady state (Day 12) 1 mg 2.5 mg 5 mg 10 mg Parameter gMean (gCV) gMean (gCV) gMean (gCV) gMean (gCV) AUC₀₋₂₄ 40.2 (39.7) 85.3 (22.7) 118 (16.0) 161 (15.7) [nmol · h/L] AUC_(T,SS) 81.7 (28.3) 117 (16.3) 158 (10.1) 190 (17.4) [nmol · h/L] C_(max) [nmol/L] 3.13 (43.2) 5.25 (24.5) 8.32 (42.4) 9.69 (29.8) C_(max,SS) 4.53 (29.0) 6.58 (23.0) 11.1 (21.7) 13.6 (29.6) [nmol/L] t_(max)* [h] 1.50 [1.00-3.00] 2.00 [1.00-3.00] 1.75 [0.92-6.02] 2.00 [1.50-6.00] t_(max,SS)* [h] 1.48 [1.00-3.00] 1.42 [1.00-3.00] 1.53 [1.00-3.00] 1.34 [0.50-3.00] T_(1/2,SS) [h] 121 (21.3) 113 (10.2) 131 (17.4) 130 (11.7) Accumulation 23.9 (44.0) 12.5 (18.2) 11.4 (37.4) 8.59 (81.2) k, [h] R_(A,Cmax) 1.44 (25.6) 1.25 (10.6) 1.33 (30.0) 1.40 (47.7) R_(A,AUC) 2.03 (30.7) 1.37 (8.2) 1.33 (15.0) 1.18 (23.4) fe₀₋₂₄ [%] NC 0.139 (51.2) 0.453 (125) 0.919 (115) fe_(T,SS) [%] 3.34 (38.3) 3.06 (45.1) 6.27 (42.2) 3.22 (34.2) CL_(R,SS) 14.0 (24.2) 23.1 (39.3) 70 (35.0) 59.5 (22.5) [mL/min] *median and range [min-max] NC not calculated as most values below lower limit of quantification

As different metabolic functional disorders often occur simultaneously, it is quite often indicated to combine a number of different active principles with one another. Thus, depending on the functional disorders diagnosed, improved treatment outcomes may be obtained if a DPP-4 inhibitor is combined with active substances customary for the respective disorders, such as e.g. one or more active substances selected from among the other antidiabetic substances, especially active substances that lower the blood sugar level or the lipid level in the blood, raise the HDL level in the blood, lower blood pressure or are indicated in the treatment of atherosclerosis or obesity.

The DPP-4 inhibitors mentioned above—besides their use in mono-therapy—may also be used in conjunction with other active substances, by means of which improved treatment results can be obtained. Such a combined treatment may be given as a free combination of the substances or in the form of a fixed combination, for example in a tablet or capsule.

Pharmaceutical formulations of the combination partner(s) needed for this may either be obtained commercially as pharmaceutical compositions or may be formulated by the skilled man using conventional methods. The active substances which may be obtained commercially as pharmaceutical compositions are described in numerous places in the prior art, for example in the list of drugs that appears annually, the “Rote Liste®” of the federal association of the pharmaceutical industry, or in the annually updated compilation of manufacturers' information on prescription drugs known as the “Physicians' Desk Reference”.

Examples of antidiabetic combination partners are sulphonylureas such as glibenclamide, tolbutamide, glimepiride, glipizide, gliquidon, glibornuride and gliclazide; nateglinide; repaglinide; thiazolidinediones such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone; PPAR gamma modulators such as metaglidases; PPAR-gamma agonists such as GI 262570; PPAR-gamma antagonists; PPAR-gamma/alpha modulators such as tesaglitazar, muraglitazar, aleglitazar, indeglitazar, AVE0897 and KRP297; PPAR-gamma/alpha/delta modulators; AMPK-activators such as AICAR; acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1 and ACC2) inhibitors; diacylglycerol-acetyltransferase (DGAT) inhibitors; pancreatic beta cell GCRP agonists such as SMT3-receptor-agonists and GPR119; 11ß-HSD-inhibitors; FGF19 agonists or analogues; alpha-glucosidase blockers such as acarbose, voglibose and miglitol; alpha2-antagonists; insulin and insulin analogues such as human insulin, insulin lispro, insulin glusilin, r-DNA-insulinaspart, NPH insulin, insulin detemir, insulin zinc suspension and insulin glargin; Gastric inhibitory Peptide (GIP); pramlintide, davalintide; amylin and amylin analogues or GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues such as Exendin-4, e.g. exenatide, exenatide LAR, liraglutide, taspoglutide, AVE-0010, LY-2428757, LY-2189265, semaglutide or albiglutide; SGLT2-inhibitors such as KGT-1251; inhibitors of protein tyrosine-phosphatase (e.g. trodusquemine); inhibitors of glucose-6-phosphatase; fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase modulators; glycogen phosphorylase modulators; glucagon receptor antagonists; phosphoenolpyruvatecarboxykinase (PEPCK) inhibitors; pyruvate dehydrogenasekinase (PDK) inhibitors; inhibitors of tyrosine-kinases (50 mg to 600 mg) such as PDGF-receptor-kinase (cf. EP-A-564409, WO 98/35958, U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,330, WO 2004/005281, and WO 2006/041976); glucokinase/regulatory protein modulators incl. glucokinase activators; glycogen synthase kinase inhibitors; inhibitors of the SH2-domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase type 2 (SHIP2); IKK inhibitors such as high-dose salicylate; JNK1 inhibitors; protein kinase C-theta inhibitors; beta 3 agonists such as ritobegron, YM 178, solabegron, talibegron, N-5984, GRC-1087, rafabegron, FMP825; aldosereductase inhibitors such as AS 3201, zenarestat, fidarestat, epalrestat, ranirestat, NZ-314, CP-744809, and CT-112; SGLT-1 or SGLT-2 inhibitors, such as e.g. dapagliflozin, sergliflozin, atigliflozin, larnagliflozin or canagliflozin (or compound of formula (I-S) or (I-K) from WO 2009/035969); KV 1.3 channel inhibitors; GPR40 modulators; SCD-1 inhibitors; CCR-2 antagonists; dopamine receptor agonists (bromocriptine mesylate [Cycloset]); and other DPP IV inhibitors.

A dosage of the partner drug pioglitazone is usually of about 1-10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg once a day.

Rosiglitazone is usually given in doses from 4 to 8 mg once (or divided twice) a day (typical dosage strengths are 2, 4 and 8 mg).

Glibenclamide (glyburide) is usually given in doses from 2.5-5 to 20 mg once (or divided twice) a day (typical dosage strengths are 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg), or micronized glibenclamide in doses from 0.75-3 to 12 mg once (or divided twice) a day (typical dosage strengths are 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 mg).

Glipizide is usually given in doses from 2.5 to 10-20 mg once (up to 40 mg divided twice) a day (typical dosage strengths are 5 and 10 mg), or extended-release glipizide in doses from 5 to 10 mg (up to 20 mg) once a day (typical dosage strengths are 2.5, 5 and 10 mg).

Glimepiride is usually given in doses from 1-2 to 4 mg (up to 8 mg) once a day (typical dosage strengths are 1, 2 and 4 mg).

A dual combination of glibenclamide/metformin is usually given in doses from 1.25/250 once daily to 10/1000 mg twice daily (typical dosage strengths are 1.25/250, 2.5/500 and 5/500 mg).

A dual combination of glipizide/metformin is usually given in doses from 2.5/250 to 10/1000 mg twice daily (typical dosage strengths are 2.5/250, 2.5/500 and 5/500 mg).

A dual combination of glimepiride/metformin is usually given in doses from 1/250 to 4/1000 mg twice daily.

A dual combination of rosiglitazone/glimepiride is usually given in doses from 4/1 once or twice daily to 4/2 mg twice daily (typical dosage strengths are 4/1, 4/2, 4/4, 8/2 and 8/4 mg).

A dual combination of pioglitazone/glimepiride is usually given in doses from 30/2 to 30/4 mg once daily (typical dosage strengths are 30/4 and 45/4 mg).

A dual combination of rosiglitazone/metformin is usually given in doses from 1/500 to 4/1000 mg twice daily (typical dosage strengths are 1/500, 2/500, 4/500, 2/1000 and 4/1000 mg).

A dual combination of pioglitazone/metformin is usually given in doses from 15/500 once or twice daily to 15/850 mg thrice daily (typical dosage strengths are 15/500 and 15/850 mg).

The non-sulphonylurea insulin secretagogue nateglinide is usually given in doses from 60 to 120 mg with meals (up to 360 mg/day, typical dosage strengths are 60 and 120 mg); repaglinide is usually given in doses from 0.5 to 4 mg with meals (up to 16 mg/day, typical dosage strengths are 0.5, 1 and 2 mg). A dual combination of repaglinide/metformin is available in dosage strengths of 1/500 and 2/850 mg.

Acarbose is usually given in doses from 25 to 100 mg with meals (up to 300 mg/day, typical dosage strengths are 25, 50 and 100 mg). Miglitol is usually given in doses from 25 to 100 mg with meals (up to 300 mg/day, typical dosage strengths are 25, 50 and 100 mg).

Conventional antidiabetics and antihyperglycemics typically used in mono- or dual or triple (add-on or initial) combination therapy may include, without being limited to, metformin, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues, as well as insulin and insulin analogues, such as e.g. those agents indicated herein by way of example, including combinations thereof.

For the purpose of this invention, particular antidiabetic partner drugs for the combined use with the DPP-4 inhibitors according to this invention may include, without being limited to, particularly for patients with moderate renal impairment, glibenclamide (reduced dose), glimepiride (reduced dose), gliquidon (reduced dose), glipizide, repaglinide, acarbose, miglitol, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone; as well as, particularly for patients with severe renal impairment, repaglinide (reduced dose), pioglitazone and insulin and insulin analogues.

Examples of combination partners that lower the lipid level in the blood are HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, pitavastatin and rosuvastatin; fibrates such as bezafibrate, fenofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, etofibrate and etofyllinclofibrate; nicotinic acid and the derivatives thereof such as acipimox; PPAR-alpha agonists; PPAR-delta agonists; inhibitors of acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterolacyltransferase (ACAT; EC 2.3.1.26) such as avasimibe; cholesterol resorption inhibitors such as ezetimib; substances that bind to bile acid, such as cholestyramine, colestipol and colesevelam; inhibitors of bile acid transport; HDL modulating active substances such as D4F, reverse D4F, LXR modulating active substances and FXR modulating active substances; CETP inhibitors such as torcetrapib, JTT-705 (dalcetrapib) or compound 12 from WO 2007/005572 (anacetrapib); LDL receptor modulators; and ApoB100 antisense RNA.

A dosage of the partner drug atorvastatin is usually from 1 mg to 40 mg or 10 mg to 80 mg once a day

Typical lipid-lowering partner drugs may include, without being limited to, statins (e.g. atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin or rosuvastatin), ezetimibe, fibrates (e.g. fenofibrate or gemfibrozil), CETP inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants (e.g. cholestyramine or colesevelam), and nicotinic acid or nicotinic acid derivatives (which also increase blood HDL level), as well as combinations thereof (e.g. a statin/ezetimibe or statin/fibrate combination). Particularly for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, typical lipid lowering drugs may include, without being limited to, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, gemfibrozil, ezetemibe, and fenofibrate, as well as combinations thereof (e.g. a atorvastatin/ezetimibe; fluvastatin/ezetimibe; statin/fenobif rate or fluvastatin/gemfibrozil, each optionally plus ezetimibe; combination). Particularly for patients with ESRD, typical lipid lowering drugs may include, without being limited to, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, gemfibrozil, and ezetemibe, as well as combinations thereof (e.g. a atorvastatin/ezetimibe or fluvastatin/ezetimibe combination).

Examples of combination partners that lower blood pressure are beta-blockers such as atenolol, bisoprolol, celiprolol, metoprolol and carvedilol; diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, chlortalidon, xipamide, furosemide, piretanide, torasemide, spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride and triamterene; calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, nifedipine, nitrendipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine, felodipine, lacidipine, lercanipidine, manidipine, isradipine, nilvadipine, verapamil, gallopamil and diltiazem; ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, lisinopril, cilazapril, quinapril, captopril, enalapril, benazepril, perindopril, fosinopril and trandolapril; as well as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) such as telmisartan, candesartan, valsartan, losartan, irbesartan, olmesartan and eprosartan.

A dosage of the partner drug telmisartan is usually from 20 mg to 320 mg or 40 mg to 160 mg per day.

Typical blood pressure-lowering partner drugs may include, without being limited to, ACE inhibitors (ACEi) (e.g. ramipril, lisinopril, quinapril, captopril, enalapril, benazepril, perindopril, trandolapril, fosinopril or moexipril), ARBs (e.g. telmisartan, candesartan, valsartan, losartan, irbesartan, olmesartan or eprosartan), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (e.g. non-dihydropyridine CCBs such as diltiazem or verapamil, or dihydropyridine CCBs such as amlodipine, felodipine, nisoldipine or nifedipine), thiazide-type diuretics (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthialidone), alpha-blockers, and beta blockers (e.g. atenolol, carvedilol or metoprolol), as well as combinations thereof (e.g. a ACEi/ARB, ACEi/beta blocker, ARB/beta blocker, ACEi/diuretic, ARB/diuretic, ACEi/CCB or ARB/CCB combination).

Examples of combination partners which increase the HDL level in the blood are Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) inhibitors; inhibitors of endothelial lipase; regulators of ABC1; LXRalpha antagonists; LXRbeta agonists; PPAR-delta agonists; LXRalpha/beta regulators, and substances that increase the expression and/or plasma concentration of apolipoprotein A-I.

Examples of combination partners for the treatment of obesity are sibutramine; tetrahydrolipstatin (orlistat), cetilistat; alizyme; dexfenfluramine; axokine; cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonists such as the CB1 antagonist rimonobant; MCH-1 receptor antagonists; MC4 receptor agonists; NPY5 as well as NPY2 antagonists; beta3-AR agonists such as SB-418790 and AD-9677; 5HT2c receptor agonists such as APD 356 (lorcaserin); myostatin inhibitors; Acrp30 and adiponectin; steroyl CoA desaturase (SCD1) inhibitors; fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitors; CCK receptor agonists; Ghrelin receptor modulators; Pyy 3-36; orexin receptor antagonists; and tesofensine; as well as the dual combinations bupropion/naltrexone, bupropion/zonisamide, topiramate/phentermine and pramlintide/metreleptin.

Examples of combination partners for the treatment of atherosclerosis are phospholipase A2 inhibitors; inhibitors of tyrosine-kinases (50 mg to 600 mg) such as PDGF-receptor-kinase (cf. EP-A-564409, WO 98/35958, U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,330, WO 2004/005281, and WO 2006/041976); oxLDL antibodies and oxLDL vaccines; apoA-1 Milano; ASA; and VCAM-1 inhibitors.

For the use of the herein-mentioned drugs in patients with renal disease, renal dysfunction or renal insufficiency, it may be required in some cases—depending on the individual drug (e.g. its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism, elimination pathway) and on patient's grade of renal impairment—to adjust or reduce its dose for patient's impaired renal function.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein may become apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

All patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention may become apparent from the following examples. The following examples serve to illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention without restricting it.

EXAMPLES

The usability of a DPP-4 inhibitor according to this invention for the purpose of the present invention can be tested using clinical trials:

For example, in a randomised, double-blind, parallel group trial, the safety and efficacy of a DPP-4 inhibitor according to the invention (e.g. 5 mg of BI 1356 administered orally once daily) is compared with placebo over a treatment period of 18 weeks, followed by a 34 week double-blind extension period (placebo switched to glimepiride) in patients with type 2 diabetes and insufficient glycemic control (e.g. HbA1c 7% to 10%) who are ineligible for metformin therapy due to intolerability or contraindications against metformin.

Patients ineligible for metformin therapy defined as:

contraindications against metformin therapy according to label, for example:

-   -   renal disease or renal dysfunction (e.g., as specified by         product information of locally approved metformin),     -   dehydration by clinical judgement of the investigator,     -   unstable or acute congestive heart failure,     -   acute or chronic metabolic acidosis (present condition in         patient history),     -   hereditary galactose intolerance;

or documented intolerable side effects attributed to metformin, for example:

-   -   nausea,     -   vomiting,     -   diarrhoea,     -   intestinal gas,     -   severe abdominal discomfort.

In this study the efficacy a DPP-4 inhibitor according to this invention in this patient population is investigated over the shorter term treatment period of 18 weeks and safety/tolerability over the longer term treatment period for a maximum of 52 weeks in comparison to a sulfonylurea drug (glimepiride).

The success of the treatment is tested by determining the HbA1c value, by comparison with the initial value and/or with the value of the placebo group. A significant change in the HbA1c value compared with the initial value and/or the placebo value demonstrates the efficacy of the DPP-4 inhibitor for the treatment. The success of the treatment can be also tested by determining the fasting plasma glucose values, by comparison with the initial values and/or with the values of the placebo group. A significant drop in the fasting glucose levels demonstrates the efficacy of the treatment. Also, the occurrence of a treat to target response (i.e. an HbA1c under treatment <7% or <6.5%) demonstrates the efficacy of the treatment.

The safety and tolerability of the treatment is investigated by assessing patient's condition and relevant changes from baseline, e.g. incidence and intensity of adverse events (such as e.g. renal adverse events, hypoglycaemic episodes or the like) or weight gain under glimepiride therapy compared to DPP-4 inhibitor treatment.

For other example, in a randomised, double-blind, parallel group trial, the safety, efficacy and tolerability of a DPP-4 inhibitor according to the invention (e.g. 5 mg of BI 1356) is compared with placebo over a treatment period of 52 weeks in type 2 diabetic male and female patients with severe chronic renal impairment (GFR<30 ml/min, who are not on chronic dialysis), including patients on insulin and/or sulfonylurea background medication.

The safety and tolerability of the treatment is investigated by assessing patient's condition. The efficacy can be investigated by change from baseline in HbA1c after 12 weeks treatment, by change in fasting plasma glucose parameters, or by change in insulin and/or sulfonylurea dosage at 52 weeks compared to baseline and over time.

Metabolism and elimination properties of a DPP-4 inhibitor for the purpose of this invention:

The excretion pathways, mass balance and metabolism of a DPP-4 inhibitor according to this invention in a human subject can be investigated using a radiolabelled (e.g. [140]-labelled) DPP-4 inhibitor for oral administration, such as e.g. as follows for a compound determined to be suitable for the purpose of the present invention:

Following oral administration of 10 mg [14C]BI 1356/subject (e.g. healthy male volunteer), the total radioactivity is primarily eliminated via the feces with a mean of 83.8% of the administered dose excreted within 16 days. Renal excretion accounts for 6.6% of the administered dose after 9 days post dose. Recovery of total radioactivity ranges from 86.1%-95.1% (mean: 90.4%) of the administered dose.

After oral administration of [14C]BI 1356, the parent compound is the most abundant radioactive species in all matrices investigated. In plasma, the parent compound [14C]BI 1356 accounts for a mean of 74% of sample radioactivity (sample pool: 1.5+3+6 h) after oral administration. The inactive main metabolite is identified in plasma with 16.9% of sample radioactivity in pooled samples. The parent compound [14C]BI 1356 is excreted unchanged in urine and feces with a mean of 90% of excreted radioactivity after oral dosing. Metabolites, including the main metabolite, account individually for <10% in the excreta. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases in a patient for whom metformin therapy is inappropriate due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin comprising orally administering to the patient a DPP-IV inhibitor.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the patient is ineligible for metformin therapy due to intolerability or contraindication against metformin.
 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the patient is in need of reduced dose metformin therapy due to reduced tolerability, intolerability or contraindication against metformin.
 4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the metabolic disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus and wherein the patient has at least one contraindication selected from: renal disease, renal impairment or renal dysfunction, dehydration, unstable or acute congestive heart failure, acute or chromic metabolic acidosis, and hereditary galactose intolerance.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contraindication is renal disease, renal impairment or renal dysfunction.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the DPP-IV inhibitor is either, in a first embodiment (embodiment A),

wherein R1 denotes ([1,5]naphthyridin-2-yl)methyl, (quinazolin-2-yl)methyl, (quinoxalin-6-yl)methyl, (4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl, 2-cyano-benzyl, (3-cyano-quinolin-2-yl)methyl, (3-cyano-pyridin-2-yl)methyl, (4-methyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl, or (4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl and R2 denotes 3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl, (2-amino-2-methyl-propyl)-methylamino or (2-(S)-amino-propyl)-methylamino, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt; or, in a second embodiment (embodiment B), selected from the group consisting of sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, alogliptin, (2S)-1-{[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethylamino]-acetyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, (2S)-1-{[1,1,-Dimethyl-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-acetyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, (S)-1-((2S,3S,11bS)-2-Amino-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-yl)-4-fluoromethyl-pyrrolidin-2-one, (3,3-Difluoropyrrolidin-1-yl)-((2S,4S)-4-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)methanone, (1((3S,4S)-4-Amino-1-(4-(3,3-difluoropyrrolidin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-5,5-difluoropiperidin-2-one, (2S,4S)-1-{2-[(3S,1R)-3-(1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-ylmethyl)cyclopentylamino]-acetyl}-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, (R)-2-[6-(3-Amino-piperidin-1-yl)-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-1-ylmethyl]-4-fluoro-benzonitrile, 5-{(S)-2-[2-((S)-2-Cyano-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2-oxo-ethylamino]-propyl}-5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-2,8-dicarboxylic acid bis-dimethylamide, 3-{(2S,4S)-4-[4-(3-Methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)piperazin-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-ylcarbonyl}thiazolidine, [(2R)-1-{[(3R)-Pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]acetyl}pyrrolidin-2-yl]boronic acid, (2S,4S)-1-[2-[(4-ethoxycarbonylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-1-yl)amino]acetyl]-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, 2-({6-[(3R)-3-amino-3-methylpiperidin-1-yl]-1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-5-yl}methyl)-4-fluorobenzonitrile, and 6-[(3R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl]-5-(2-chloro-5-fluoro-benzyl)-1,3-dimethyl-1,5-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4-dione, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said DPP-4 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, 1-[([1,5]naphthyridin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, 1-[(quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, 2-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-3-(but-2-ynyl)-5-(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-ylmethyl)-3,5-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-d]pyridazin-4-one, 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-[(2-amino-2-methyl-propyl)-methylamino]-xanthine, 1-[(3-cyano-quinolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, 1-(2-cyano-benzyl)-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-[(S)-(2-amino-propyl)-methylamino]-xanthine, 1-[(3-cyano-pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, 1-[(4-methyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, 1-[(4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine and 1-[(quinoxalin-6-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-((R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said DPP-4 inhibitor is 1-[(4-methyl-quinazolin-2-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-7-(2-butyn-1-yl)-8-(3-(R)-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthine.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said DPP-4 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of saxagliptin, alogliptin, (2S)-1-{[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethylamino]-acetyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, (2S)-1-{[1,1,-Dimethyl-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-imidazol-1-yl)-propylamino]-acetyl}-pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, (S)-1-((2S,3S,11bS)-2-Amino-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-3-yl)-4-fluoromethyl-pyrrolidin-2-one, (3,3-Difluoropyrrolidin-1-yl)-((2S,4S)-4-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)methanone, (1((3S,4S)-4-amino-1-(4-(3,3-difluoropyrrolidin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)-5,5-difluoropiperidin-2-one, (2S,4S)-1-{2-[(3S,1R)-3-(1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-ylmethyl)cyclopentylamino]-acetyl}-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, (R)-2-[6-(3-Amino-piperidin-1-yl)-3-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrimidin-1-ylmethyl]-4-fluoro-benzonitrile, 5-{(S)-2-[2-((S)-2-Cyano-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2-oxo-ethylamino]-propyl}-5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-2,8-dicarboxylic acid bis-dimethylamide, 3-{(2S,4S)-4-[4-(3-Methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)piperazin-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-ylcarbonyl}thiazolidine, [(2R)-1-{[(3R)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]acetyl}pyrrolidin-2-yl]boronic acid, (2S,4S)-1-[2-[(4-ethoxycarbonylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-1-yl)amino]acetyl]-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile, 2-({6-[(3R)-3-amino-3-methylpiperidin-1-yl]-1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-5-yl}methyl)-4-fluorobenzonitrile, and 6-[(3R)-3-amino-piperidin-1-yl]-5-(2-chloro-5-fluoro-benzyl)-1,3-dimethyl-1,5-dihydro-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4-dione, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the metabolic disorder is type 2 diabetes mellitus and wherein the contraindication is renal disease, renal impairment or renal dysfunction, and wherein said DPP-4 inhibitor is used for said patient in the same dose as for a patient with normal renal function.
 11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said DPP-4 inhibitor and its major active metabolite(s) have a relatively wide therapeutic window and/or are primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism or biliary excretion.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said DPP-4 inhibitor is excreted mainly via the liver.
 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein excretion via the kidney represents a minor elimination pathway.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein said DPP-4 inhibitor is excreted mainly unchanged.
 15. The method according to claim 1, for which elimination via metabolism represents a minor elimination pathway.
 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein said DPP-4 inhibitor has placebo-like safety/tolerability and/or is eliminated primarily as the parent drug via the liver.
 17. The method according claim 1, wherein the main metabolite of said DPP-4 inhibitor is pharmacologically inactive or has a relatively wide therapeutic window.
 18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contraindication is mild, moderate or severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease.
 19. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the use of the DPP-IV inhibitor in combination with one or more further active substances selected from antidiabetics, active substances that lower the blood sugar level, active substances that lower the lipid level in the blood, active substances that raise the HDL level in the blood, active substances that lower the blood pressure, active substances that are indicated in the treatment of atherosclerosis, and active substances that are indicated in the treatment of obesity.
 20. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the use of the DPP-IV inhibitor in combination with one or more further active substances selected from sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, glinides, alpha-glucosidase blockers, GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues, and insulin and insulin analogues.
 21. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the use of the DPP-IV inhibitor in combination with one or more further active substances selected from repaglinide, pioglitazone, and insulin and insulin analogues.
 22. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the use of the DPP-IV inhibitor in combination with pioglitazone.
 23. The method according to claim 1, wherein the metabolic disorder is type 2 diabetes mellitus and the intolerability is at least one gastrointestinal side effect selected from: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, intestinal gas, and severe abdominal discomfort.
 24. A method of using a DPP-4 inhibitor to treat diabetes in a patient comprising orally administering said DPP-IV inhibitor to said patient, characterized in that <10% of the administered oral dose is excreted via the kidneys.
 25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the DPP-IV inhibitor is primarily excreted unchanged via the bile.
 26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that >80% of the administered oral dose is excreted unchanged as parent drug.
 27. The method according to claim 24 characterized in that its main metabolite is pharmacologically inactive. 